Methods and apparatus for wellbore construction and completion

Abstract

The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

1 . A method of cementing a wellbore lining conduit in a wellbore, comprising:
 attaching the wellbore lining conduit to the wellbore;   providing a float valve releasably connected to a tubular string;   positioning the float valve adjacent a lower portion of the wellbore lining conduit;   sealing an annular area between the float valve and the wellbore lining conduit;   supplying cement through the float valve to an annular area between the tubular and the wellbore;   releasing the tubular string from the float valve; and   closing the float valve.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein releasing the tubular string closes the float valve. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising actuating a sealing member disposed between the wellbore lining conduit and the wellbore. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising drilling with the wellbore lining conduit prior to attaching the wellbore lining conduit to the wellbore. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the sealing member is actuated using the tubular string. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising opening a port in the tubular string and retrieving the tubular string. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising using the tubular string to actuate a sealing member disposed between the wellbore lining conduit and the wellbore. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the float valve comprises a flapper valve. 
     
     
         9 . A method of drilling with liner, comprising:
 providing a drilling assembly having a drilling member connected to a drill string having a telescopic portion and the drilling member is operatively coupled to a liner;   forming a section of wellbore using the drilling assembly;   shortening a length of the drill string, thereby moving the liner toward and relative to the drilling member; and   fixing the liner in the wellbore.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the drilling member is releasably connected to the liner. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the telescopic drill string is releasably connected to the liner at two locations. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising releasing the drill string from the liner at a first location prior to moving the liner. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising releasing the drill string from the liner at a second location after fixing the liner in the wellbore. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the drill string has two latches located at two axially displaced positions on the drill string. 
     
     
         15 . A method of drilling with liner, comprising:
 providing a drilling assembly having a drilling member operatively coupled to a liner;   forming a section of wellbore using the drilling assembly;   fixing the liner in the wellbore;   retrieving the drilling member axially relative to the liner;   releasing the liner from the wellbore;   lowering the liner toward a bottom of the wellbore; and   re-fixing the liner in the wellbore.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the drilling member is connected to a drill string and the drill string is releasably connected to the liner. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising releasing the drill string from the liner prior to retrieving the drilling member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising re-connecting the drill string to the liner prior to releasing the liner. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising providing a side port in the drill string and circulating through the side port during operations.